Child Meltdowns: How to Stay Focused

We have reached that stage in my kids’ lives where meltdowns are becoming more frequent. For me, this means my parenting skills are tested, as well as my patience levels, on a daily basis. I know that this is not just a problem at my house either! SO– today, myself and a couple other of the FLT authors are sharing some ways to change your focus during these trying times of parenting.

Danielle:

This was our Christmas card this past year. Denton’s meltdown was just so “him” at his two-and-a-half-year old self and so why not share it with friends & family! People loved it and said it was one of the favorite cards they received last year.

My oldest son was born loud, so his meltdowns could arouse the neighbors. He was about one-year-old in this photo, which is that beautiful age where lunchtime and naptime collide into a food-filled, exhaustion-induced catastrophe. I’ve already shared laughs with him, now 6, over this photo.

Teddy, my 5 year old as he learned to ride his bike this summer. (He had just bump an old scab so don’t nominate me for “Bad Parent of the Year” for taking a photo and not running to his aid). Every triumph comes with some tragedy. Every goal worth reaching will require some bumps and scraps. He learned to ride his bike just a few days later and someday we’ll remember how hard he worked to get it, even through some blood & tears.

Julie:

Kenley has hit the terrible two’s early! She gave up naps almost a month ago, and has had a tough time transitioning, even when I insist that she needs to rest. In the photo above, she had just gotten up and couldn’t decide if she wanted me to sit next to her or leave her alone. She would cry while I sat there and cry harder when I walked away.

I was attempting to put her to bed, and then big brother asked for a peanut butter sandwich. She lost it. So, we gave her one as well, and was she was eating and playing with it, she poked a hole in the bread. She proceeds to lose it for a good 5 minutes and then immediately conked out in my arms. Silly, sleepy girl.

We all know that meltdowns with our children are inevitable. It’s a part of how they learn and communicate. So, how do we as parents stay focused as they fall apart?

Expect them. Meltdowns and tantrums will happen. The best parenting does not make them go away! They are part of life! So expect them, manage them to your best ability, and know that you aren’t alone.

Don’t join in the meltdown. Although it can be hard to keep your cool when your toddler is smoldering into a heated tantrum, this is your chance to display a proper reaction to the situation. Take a deep breath. Walk away even if needed. Teach by example.

Keep a good sense of humor. Remember, they are just a little human being who has yet to understand how to handle or express their emotions. This is all a natural part of development. I have many a good chuckle at the means these little ones will go to in displaying their meltdown. Take a mental step back and think how funny it would be to see an adult react the same way and then thank God that we (or at least most of us 🙂 ) learn better as we grow up.

Snap a photo. It might be a great way to teach your young one in a calmer moment how ridiculous they look and spark them to learn a better way. It might just change your focus to embrace the moment and see the humor yourself. Plus, it will provide some good laughs in their older years. 🙂